How to Remove Wallpaper

How hard it is to prepare a wall-papered room for painting or re-papering, really depends on the type of paper that is already up there. If it is the strippable kind, you're in luck, because that requires little more than lifting a corner, peeling off the panels, and scraping the remainder of the glue off before washing the walls.

On the other hand, an older home that could have several layers of paper on it, is more of a challenge. If it is a "true" paper, that is, without any vinyl elements in it, you can either use a steamer, a chemical remover, or warm water and a sponge. The point is to soak the entire wall, so that the adhesive lets go of the surface underneath, and you are able to peel off the paper.

For a single layer of wallpaper, this can be done with a bucket of warm water and large sponge, replied repeatedly to the wall. Make sure you place old blankets, newspapers or other material at the base of the wall, to soak up the extra, and keep your floors clean. You might consider laying a plastic drop cloth as well. Once wet, the corners should be easy to peel back, then you can use a broad putty knife to help lift it, and to scrape off the remaining adhesive. Be careful of the surface underneath though, as things like drywall that has become wet, can be easily gouged.

If the wallpaper is vinyl, or there are several layers, you might be better off to use the steamer, which has the heat and moisture in one handy applicator. The alternative, is to try a chemical remover that you put in a garden spray can and apply. For this, you should take all safety precautions, such as wearing goggles, gloves, and having good ventilation in the room. Many people also "score" the wallpaper by taking a utility knife and cutting diagonal lines in opposite directions, to help the steam or chemicals get in under the paper, since many layers or vinyl, are not as permeable. If steaming, work on one small section at a time, so the paper is at its most flexible when you peel it.

When your wall is stripped of its paper, scrape off the remaining adhesive, and wash with a heavy duty detergent. Allow the wall to dry completely before painting or re-papering.